3 Benefits of Massage (And How To Make Massage Oil)

Did you know that – without even speaking a word or touching – your heartbeat can synchronize with someone you love as you sit near them? It’s true. Powerful physiological bonds have been found between couples, parents and children, and even close friends. (Nikos-Rose, Dell’Amore)

And yet it doesn’t always feel like that, does it?

Our child bursts into tears and we struggle to find the right words, or things are a bit rough with our partner and we debate about whether to lean into a conversation or tune out with Netflix.

We crave connection more than ever, but with all the distractions of modern life it’s easy to let opportunities slip by. That’s why one of my favorite tools for connecting is a quick, five or ten-minute massage. It’s amazing how little ones relax as their hands or feet are rubbed, or the stress melts away as you and your partner wind down with a 5-10 minute massage after they go to bed.

Plus, there are a few other benefits, too:

3 Benefits of Massage

1. Deeper, Better Sleep – Massage improves the quality and quantity of sleep by supporting the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that the body uses to make melatonin, “the sleep hormone.”

Women who received just THREE MINUTES of slow-stroke back massage slept 30 minutes longer than those who didn’t. (Harris et. al.)

2. Improved Immune Function – A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage increased patients’ white blood cell count, which play a role in defending the body from disease. (NIH)

3. Connection And Longevity – As already mentioned, massage helps us melt away distractions and reconnect on an emotional and physical level. In addition to making life more enjoyable, strong connections are one of the defining features of Blue Zones, which are regions of the world that have the highest number of centenarians (people that live to 100).

Not sure where to start?

If you want to learn to give quick but AMAZING massages, MELT is a PG-rated (fully clothed!) online couples massage taught by Denis Merkas – a massage therapist whose client list includes a lot of famous names you’d recognize. There’s not a huge time investment involved, which is good because we all know how much free time parents have, right?

It’s on sale for Valentines Day right now, and it comes with a bonus foot rub tutorial that is great for little ones.

To make: Place carrier oil in a cup – I like to use a glass measuring cup with a pourable spout – and add in the carrier oils. Mix with a stainless steel fork/spoon and then pour massage oil into a four ounce container. I use this one because because pump tops are a lot easier when you need more oil than trying to fiddle with a lid. Use within six months, or up to a year if stored in the fridge.

Muscle Relief Massage Oil Recipe

To make this recipe kid-friendly, reduce the number of essential oil drops by half.

To make: Place carrier oil in a cup – I like to use a glass measuring cup with a pourable spout – and add in the carrier oils. Mix with a stainless steel fork/spoon and then pour massage oil into a four ounce container. I use this one because because pump tops are a lot easier when you need more oil than trying to fiddle with a lid. Use within six months, or up to a year if stored in the fridge.

Aphrodisiac Massage Oil Recipe

Although at first glance this blend seems to have more drops than the others, it’s about the same dilution because one of the oils used (vanilla absolute) is diluted.

To make: Place carrier oil in a cup – I like to use a glass measuring cup with a pourable spout – and add in the carrier oils. Mix with a stainless steel fork/spoon and then pour massage oil into a four ounce container. I use this one because because pump tops are a lot easier when you need more oil than trying to fiddle with a lid. Use within six months, or up to a year if stored in the fridge.

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About Heather

Hi, I'm Mommypotamus. My mission is to help you put delicious, healthy meals on the table, find effective natural remedies for common complaints, make your own fuss-free personal care and home products, and save time and money in the process.

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2 Comments

When you say “kid friendly” what age is that? I have a 17 year old daughter that plays a lot of volleyball in school and club volleyball. Her ankles and knees are starting to bother her from all the jumping. Also her right shoulder (she is right handed) and back get sore after tournaments (20-25 matches) from hitting the ball. I would like to make her something that she could rub on to help her feel better. I dont like her taking OTC or different pain creams like her other team mates use. Any suggestions? Thank You!

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